DEWALT has a huge selection of miter saws. The dws780 and the dws779 are among the company’s best sellers. However, the dws779 model has been discontinued but is still available in most online stores.
So how do these two miter saw options compare? While they are largely similar, they do differ in some aspects. Additionally, it is worth noting that the dws780 was introduced as a replacement of the older dws779.
Meaning that comes with several advanced features, Such as DWS780 Comes with shadow light XPS Cutline positioning technology Which will help you to cut more accurately. Also, on paper, the dws780 is a better miter saw. However, the older version is still an excellent option and you can upgrade the xps lighting system. Let us look at some of the main differences between the dws779 vs. dws780.
A Comprehensive Comparison Between Dewalt Dws779 and Dws780 Miter Saw
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Value For Money: Which One Offer The Most?
Which offers more value for your buck? The dws779 less costly than the dws780. This difference in cost is as a result of the latter being a more advanced version of the former.
Nonetheless, given that it is more affordable, and offers some of the features you get with the pricier models, the dws779 offers more value for money.
Work light: Is Dws779 or Dws780 offers great Light?
One of the areas where the dws780 is an improvement to the dws779 is in the work light. As with most other miter saws, the older version uses laser guides. The newer version is equipped with an LED light alongside the blade.
The downside of the laser guide is that it is not ideal for use in bright outdoor conditions. Also, the laser system on the dws779 gets knocked off position when the blade is in use. The LED light stays in position and casts a shadow on the area to be cut.
Therefore, in regards to work light, the dws780 is a significant improvement. The shadow that is cast on the material being cut helps you make more precise cuts.
The Motor: Which one beats in Motor Segment?
Probably the most important component of any miter saw, the motors on these two saws are the same. Both use a 15amp motor that delivers incredible power and allows the saws to cut through all kinds of wood.
However, as most users have found out, the motors cannot be used interchangeably. This has led to some people speculating that the motor on the dws779 is of inferior quality. However, the reason for this is that the dws780 uses a slightly different mount.
But in terms of quality and performance, both motors perform at the same quality. On both saws, the motor spins the blades at speeds of up to 3800RPM.
Which Blades is Great : Dws779 or Dws780 ?
Another vital component of any miter saw is the blade. Both feature a stainless steel miter plate with 12-inch blades. These two blades are quite similar, and there is very little separating them.
Nevertheless, the dws780 does come with an additional carbide blade. Due to its composition, the carbide blade is more abrasion resistant and can withstand higher temperatures. The inclusion of the carbide blade gives the 780 an edge over its predecessor.
Carbide blades do not require regular maintenance due to their durability and toughness.
Cutting Capacity : How These Saw Cuts?
So how well do these two saws cut? For marketing purposes, some retail stores make it seem as though the two saws have differing cutting capacities. But the truth is both are the same and are capable of 6.75-inch depth cuts.
When it comes to crosscuts, they are capable of 2×16 inch crosscuts at 90 degrees. This is achievable thanks to the inclusion of a dedicated back fence. Also, the two saws are capable of 2×12 inch bevel cuts at 45 degrees.
Weight: Which one is lighter/Heavier
When it comes to the weight, the older 779 is heavier weighing around 67 pounds. On the other hand, the 780 weighs about 56 pounds. Meaning both saws are not the most lightweight. However, if you were to choose the newer version is lighter.
The Dws779 vs Dws780: specs, pros, and cons
The dws779 specs
- 15 amp motor
- 3800 RPMs
- 6.75-inch maximum cutting capacity
- Dust collection system
- 90 degrees 2×16 dimensional lumber cuts
- 45 degrees 2×12 bevel cuts
Pros
- Offered at an affordable price compared to the dws780
- There is the option of adding attachments to improve the workability of the saw
- It is built from high-quality materials and is rust-resistant
- Comes with a three-year limited warranty
- Has a dust collection port installed
Cons
- Is quite heavy compared to the newer dws780 model
- Lacks the LED light system of its successor.
The dws780 specs
- XPS cross cut positioning system
- 15 amp motor with 3800 RPMs
- Back fence design
- 90 degrees 2×16 dimensional lumber cuts
- 45 degrees 2×12 bevel cuts
Pros
- Comes with an innovative XPS LED light system that is better than the laser guides of its predecessor
- Weighs less than the dws779 model
- Comes with an additional carbide blade
- Is constructed from high-quality materials and is rust-resistant
- Is equipped with a dust collection system
Cons
- Is costlier than the older dws779 model
- The dust collection system can be better
Verdict – Which One Should Buy?
There is very little separating these two DEWALT offerings. In fact, it is fair to say the main difference is the inclusion of the XPS light system in the dws780. Other than that both saws are very much the same.
The other difference is, of course, regarding weight and price. The newer 780 weighs less and costs more than the heavier dws779. Nonetheless, both are heavy miter saws, which may be more suited to projects that require little movement.
Given how similar they are, it is difficult to identify a clear winner in this dws779 vs. dws780 comparison. But if we were to choose one winner, we probably would have to go with the dws779.
Though it has since been discontinued the fact that it costs less makes it an appealing option to many. Ideally, for less, you get almost the same features you get with the pricier dws780. Thus it makes more financial sense to opt for the dws779.
But if you are after performance, the little improvements that the 780 has may prove defining.